What does Tesamorelin do? Benefits and evidence

Tesamorelin prompts the pituitary gland to release growth hormone. It is FDA-approved for excess deep belly fat in adults with HIV-related fat changes, not general weight loss. Trials also studied liver fat and cognition, with mixed results outside its approved use. Main concerns include high blood sugar, raised IGF-1, swelling and allergic reactions.

• Tesamorelin (Egrifta) is approved to reduce excess belly fat in adults with HIV-related fat changes. (Drug label)
• In two large trials of adults with HIV, daily shots reduced deep belly fat; the effect faded after stopping. (Studied in a trial)
• In small trials of adults with HIV, it lowered liver fat, including in people with fatty liver. (Studied in a trial)
• People report fat loss and keeping muscle, usually while also changing diet, training or other peptides. (Reported by users)

Uses in the sources

• Approved for reducing excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. (Drug label) (source)
• Studied for fatty liver in adults with and without HIV; not an approved liver-disease indication. (Studied in a trial) (source)
• A small trial in obesity with low GH output reduced visceral fat. General weight-loss benefit is unestablished. (Studied in a trial) (source)
• Cognition trials are mixed; the 2025 HIV trial and 2026 pilot did not show a clear between-group clinical benefit. (Studied in a trial) (source)
• Community users report recomp and muscle preservation. Selected HIV responders had imaging changes; healthy-user performance benefits are unknown. (Reported by users) (source)